Can't install software on local machine with XP SP2

[Guest]

With all our other computers we have upgraded from 2000 to XP, then XP SP2
and there is no problems with a local user installing software, if they are
an administrator of their local computer. Now we have new computer that
started with XP SP2 and a user that is a local administrator, but can not
install software, or even use windows update. Is there something that was
left out of the loop, that grandfathered the older version, but doesn't work
with the current system? Any help on this matter would be greatly
appreciated.

 

[Lanwench [MVP - Exchange]]

With all our other computers we have upgraded from 2000 to XP, then
XP SP2 and there is no problems with a local user installing
software, if they are an administrator of their local computer. Now
we have new computer that started with XP SP2 and a user that is a
local administrator, but can not install software, or even use
windows update. Is there something that was left out of the loop,
that grandfathered the older version, but doesn't work with the
current system? Any help on this matter would be greatly appreciated.

What errors do they get, both in installing or using WU?
Event logs?
SP2 itself isn't the cause, but it may have triggered the cause.

 

[Guest]

What errors do they get, both in installing or using WU?

Event logs?
SP2 itself isn't the cause, but it may have triggered the cause.

When using WU I get:
You must be logged on as an administrator or a member of the Administrators
group. If your computer is connected to a network, network policy settings
might also prevent you from completing this procedure.
When installing I get:
(The install file) could not be opened. Please check to see if the disk is
full and that you have access to the destination directory. System cannot
find the path specified.

When I look at my profile, where I am a local administrator, but not a
network administrator under Software Restriction Policies nothing is defined.
Whereas the new user (XP SP2 install disc) they are defined as unrestricted
(only allowing the rights of the user). Does this lead to a situation where
in order to install software or run WU a user has to be an Admin over
everything, or someone has to install it for them? Please tell me there is
another way, and thank you again for responding.

 

[Lanwench [MVP - Exchange]]

When using WU I get:
You must be logged on as an administrator or a member of the
Administrators group. If your computer is connected to a network,
network policy settings might also prevent you from completing this
procedure.
When installing I get:
(The install file) could not be opened. Please check to see if the
disk is full and that you have access to the destination directory.
System cannot find the path specified.

When I look at my profile, where I am a local administrator, but not a
network administrator under Software Restriction Policies nothing is
defined. Whereas the new user (XP SP2 install disc) they are defined
as unrestricted (only allowing the rights of the user). Does this
lead to a situation where in order to install software or run WU a
user has to be an Admin over everything, or someone has to install it
for them? Please tell me there is another way, and thank you again
for responding.

I'm confused as to what you mean by "XP SP2 install disk" - are you talking
about another PC?

Yes, in order to run WU or install software, you need to have local admin
rights.

 

[Guest]

Sorry about being unclear, but XP SP2 install disk, I meant that it was never
updated to XP SP2, Windows XP SP2 is the only OS the computer has had.

As for the user, they do have local admin rights, but limited rights on the
network. When they are on the network, on their computer, they cannot
install software, whereas anyone that upgraded to XP SP2 can. Is there a way
that they can be logged into the network, but still have their local admin
rights carry over so they can run WU?

 

[Lanwench [MVP - Exchange]]

Sorry about being unclear, but XP SP2 install disk, I meant that it
was never updated to XP SP2, Windows XP SP2 is the only OS the
computer has had.

As for the user, they do have local admin rights, but limited rights
on the network. When they are on the network, on their computer,
they cannot install software, whereas anyone that upgraded to XP SP2
can. Is there a way that they can be logged into the network, but
still have their local admin rights carry over so they can run WU?

Do you mean, the users have local accounts as well as domain accounts? When
logged in using the local account, they can do whatever they like on the
local workstation, but when logged into the domain, they can't?

If so, you could add their domain account to the local administrators group.

That said, a couple of notes:

1. Best not to allow users any more than limited user rights on their
desktops - no admin, no power user. Users should not be installing their own
software or updating the OS, etc....this is the admin's job. One of many.
2. Don't use local user accounts - get rid of them. Have all users log into
the domain only.

 

[Guest]

That solved my issues, and you're right about the changes that need to be
made. Thank you very much for all your help.